Title:

Expert opinion and controversies in sports and musculoskeletal medicine: Concussion in the young athlete

Author(s):

Standaert CJ, Herring SA, Cantu RC

Year:

2007

Publication Info:

Archives of Physican Medicine & Rehabilitation, 88(8):1077-9

Abstract:

Concussion is a common injury in young athletes and can be very challenging for clinicians to diagnose and manage. Debate exists over not only the incidence of long-term risks of multiple concussions but also the potential for catastrophic outcomes after sports-related head injury. Decisions on returning athletes to competition can be difficult, and there are limited prospective data on which to make these decisions. This has resulted in the existence of a number of published guidelines and consensus statements on the management of concussion in athletes. Athletes sustaining a concussion need appropriate on-field care and structured follow-up. Baseline cognitive assessments can be helpful, but clinicians must be aware that head trauma may result in a wide array of clinical signs and symptoms. Delivery of care and decisions on return to play need to be based on an individual assessment of the affected athlete.